I removed my 2 series 27 trolling batteries, and replaced with approx. 30lbs of weight in that tray. The back of the boat is sitting a little higher, but not much. Holeshot did improve some, but only slightly. My holeshot was still slow at 10-11 seconds with 2 people (Holeshot was probably 15-17 seconds before removing the battery weight). Could turn 6000 RPM WOT (Could hit 6100-6200 previously before adding Talons).
I still could not get out of the hole with water in the livewell. I think I am going to have to go to a 4 blade prop to get an acceptable holeshot, and to even get out of the hole with water in the livewell, but may also still need to install Lithium Ion batteries to help with the transom height in the rear (boat is still very low in the back). One other thought I had, but don't know how this impacts everything, is my motor height. I am currently set at 2" below pad, which is as high as the motor can be set (Jackplate and Motor), but I still have good water pressure of 22-23psi. Would lowering the motor some give me a better holeshot? What would that do to my RPM's and Top End?